Shunchang Baoshan Monkey King Belief: Primitive Worship Predating

Abstract

At the summit of Baoshan in Shunchang County, Fujian, lies an archaeological fact that stunned researchers of Journey to the West: a 1,305-meter-high Yuan Dynasty stone architectural miracle and the well-preserved “Double Sage Tomb” of Qitian Dasheng and Tongtian Dasheng. This discovery traces the origins of Shunchang Baoshan Great Sage culture back to the Yuan Dynasty or earlier monkey deity worship. Combining historical records like the Shunchang County Chronicle, this article reconstructs the reality of the Yuan Dynasty Qitian Dasheng Tomb and explains how Northern Fujian Shamanic Culture birthed this global icon.

Geographical Connections

  • Shunchang County (Under Nanping, Fujian; established in 929 AD, the 4th year of Tiancheng, Later Tang).
  • Baoshan (Located in NW Shunchang, border of Dagan Town and Shaowu; peak altitude 1,305m).
  • Baoshan Temple (At the peak; expanded in 1363 AD, the 23rd year of Zhizheng, Yuan Dynasty).
  • Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate; site of the Double Sage Tomb).
  • Dagan Town (The cultural core of Baoshan, 20km from Shunchang County seat).

I. Archaeological Evidence: The Secret of the Yuan Dynasty “Double Tomb”

Deep within the mists of the 1,305-meter-high Baoshan peak in Dagan Town lies the “Double Sage Tomb”. According to the Fujian Province Shunchang County Chronicle, this site is located at Nantianmen near the Baoshan Temple ruins. Unlike the solitary Sun Wukong in literature, the tombstone here bears two names: “Tongtian Dasheng” (Great Sage Reaching Heaven) on the left and “Qitian Dasheng” (Great Sage Equalling Heaven) on the right.

Historical Data Analysis:

  • Precise Years: The site’s Baoshan Temple was established in the Yuan Dynasty, with major expansions recorded in 1363 AD (23rd year of Zhizheng).
  • Numeric Data: The granite tombstones stand approximately 80 cm tall. Their architectural style is characteristic of the Yuan Dynasty, dating back over 660 years—predating the earliest printed edition of Journey to the West (1592 AD) by over two centuries.

This “brotherhood” of sages aligns perfectly with the Journey to the West Zaju by Yang Jingxian from the Yuan Dynasty. In that early mythology, the Great Sage had five siblings; “Tongtian Dasheng” was the third, and “Qitian Dasheng” was the fifth. The Shunchang tomb proves that Northern Fujian Shamanic Culture had developed a sophisticated monkey deity lineage long before the Ming Dynasty novel was finalized.

II. Baoshan Temple: A Yuan Dynasty Stone Architectural Miracle

Beyond the mysterious tomb, Baoshan is a treasure trove of architectural art. Baoshan Temple, located at the summit, is a rare example of a total stone structure from the Yuan Dynasty. Centuries ago, without modern machinery, craftsmen used local granite to mimic wood-style joinery at an altitude of 1,305 meters.

Historical Data Analysis:

  • Precise Years: Inscriptions on the temple’s stone pillars specifically mention the year 1363 AD (Yuan Zhizheng 23rd year).
  • Numeric Data: The temple covers approximately 130 square meters and is built entirely of massive granite blocks. It houses over 10 stone statues, with the Great Sage being the primary deity.

This stone-only construction was not just an aesthetic choice but a necessity to withstand extreme cold and high winds (the average annual temperature on Baoshan is only 14.3°C). Reaching the site involves a 20 km journey from Shunchang to Dagan, followed by a climb of thousands of steps—a true pilgrimage for the faithful.

III. From Shamanism to Orthodox Deity: Evolution of Folk Belief

The rise of the Great Sage belief in Shunchang was no accident; it was rooted in the deep soil of Northern Fujian’s shamanic traditions. Since Shunchang’s establishment in 929 AD (Later Tang), its mountainous terrain was home to many primates, leading early settlers to worship what they feared.

Historical Data Analysis:

  • Precise Years: Historical records show that during the Jiajing period (1522–1566 AD) of the Ming Dynasty, the cult faced suppression as “heterodox worship,” yet it thrived underground.
  • Numeric Data: Surveys indicate that there are currently over 100 well-preserved Great Sage temples and altars across Shunchang, with nearly every village having its own “Great Sage Lord.”

In local context, the Great Sage is more than a demon-slayer; he is a guardian of peace, a bringer of rain, and a judge of good and evil. This belief traveled down the Min River to Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Even today, on the 17th day of the 7th lunar month—the “Great Sage’s Birthday”—thousands of devotees gather in Shunchang for grand shamanic rituals and dances.

IV. Literature Meets Reality: Why Shunchang is the Ancestral Land

Comparing the geographical coordinates in the Shunchang County Place Name Records with the novel Journey to the West reveals startling coincidences. The “Mountain of Flowers and Fruits” described in the book finds many physical and linguistic echoes in Shunchang.

Historical Data Analysis:

  • Precise Years: Artistic depictions of the “Monkey Pilgrim” (Hou Xingzhe) were already appearing in Northern Fujian during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279 AD).
  • Numeric Data: Shunchang currently preserves over 10 Intangible Cultural Heritage projects related to the Great Sage, including specialized sacrificial rites and “Nuo” (shamanic) dances.

The uniqueness of Shunchang’s Great Sage belief lies in its preservation of the primitive transition from nature worship to idol worship. It proves to the world that before Wu Cheng’en’s literary genius gave birth to the modern icon, Qitian Dasheng had already been receiving incense and prayers as a local deity in the mountains of Northern Fujian for centuries.